The Waikato Times.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1271, 21 August 1880, Page 2

The Waikato Times.

Equal and exact jiuticc to all men, Ot whatever state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's, right maintain Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1880.

Pique and prejudice are two of the most powerful weapons against truth and right, and if he who arms himself with them be of moderate respectability, he is not seldom the conqueror. With some such aphorism as this in our minds ought we to approach to a consideration of Mr. Broomhall's letter, published in the London Times in June last. In that letter he professes that he is actuated by a desire to see the stream of emigration diverted from America to the colonies of Britain, but he at the same time tries to throw discredit on the scheme of Mr Vesey Stewart to bring out a sufficient number of settlers for the Te Puke Block. He does this by asserting that the Government of this Colony has given Mr Stewart 25,000 acres of land on the sole condition that he establishes a settlement thereon, insinuating thereby that Mr Stewart is endeavoring to make a large profit, by selling the land thus given at a higher rate than the Government demand. Mr Broomhall cannot fail of being aware that such a statement as he makes is totally devoid of truth; he must know that so far from having been presented with 25,000 acres of land, Mr Stewart has only obtained 15,000 acres, the price of which is something like twenty-two shillings per acre. Mr Broomhall complains that Mr Stewart rates land at a much higher value than some which was recently sold by Government in the Tauranga district, the price of which was £1 per acre. We confess we are unable to understand how it could be expected of Mr Vesey Stewart that we shall sell land at 2s under what he gives for it. He is an able colonist and a patriot, but he is not an angel, and people without wings do not in these days do what Mr Broomhall expects of his more successful competitor. Nor would 2s represent the difference between the price Mr Broomhall puts on the land, and the cost to Mr Stewart ; because, while he buys it in its Avild state, he cannot settle immigrants upon it until he has subdivided the

bloGk into farms, laid off roads, and fulfilled many other conditions well, known to, but carefully kept out of sight by Mr Broomhall. It might, perhaps, clear our vision somewhat when we consider that this gentleman was himself exceedingly anxiqus to possess the Te Puke Block, but failed because he would not accede to the very reasonable terms offered by the Government. The desire to. make a profit out of these lands which he imputes to Mr Stewart, was that which peculiarly characterised Mr Broomhall, and it was only because he could not see his way to accept the slight remuneration which Mr Stewart is likely to derive that he threw up the project of bringing settlers to this country. It need not astonish us, therefore, to find him attempting to throw cold water on the present scheme for settling Te Puke. Influential though Mr Broomhall may be, we have reason to think that few sensible people, who have, without losing faith in others, nevertheless diligently enquired for themselves, will be affected to regard with distrust the estimable mission of Mr Vesey Stewart.

Til R holders of deferred payment selections at the Aroha have, it would appear, a very just cause of complaint against the Government. The block which was thrown open along the Waihou is, as is well known, chiefly composed of swamp, and settlers were attracted to take up land, which under ordinary circumstances they would have hesitated to touch, on the distinct understanding that tli3 Government would at once construct the necessary outlet drains. The promise so made was carried out so far as to let the contract ; but since then some hitch has arisen, and the drains at the present rate of progression will not be finished before Christmas. The settlers will therefore lose a whole year, and, as-inanyof them are not in a position to allow of this, the land will necessarily be thrown up and the settlement of the distriot will be retarded. Anyone who is at all acquainted with swamp, knows well enough that the land must be drained at least twelve months before any practical result can be arrived at ; the water must be gone a whole summer in order that the dense vegitation may dry for the autumn burning and sowing. In the case of the Aroha lands, unless some steps be taken to push on the drains, two years from the present must elapse before a blade of grass can be grown. Such a state of things is simply monstrous. If this is the way deferred payment settlers are to be treated the system cannot be expected to turn out a success, and if the Government cannot manage matters moi;e efficiently they had better leave the conductof such schems to private individuals. We trust that some steps will be taken to compensate the settlers for so grave an act of injustice.

We learn that the work of making a bridle track from Tauranga to the Waihou Valley is rapidly proceeding under the direction of Captain Turner. The road has now crossed the ran?e, and in a very short time the task of riding to the East Coast will be comparatively easy.

Two or three pounds might be veryad vantageously expended on the path leading from the eastern end of the Bridge towards the County Council offices. In its present state th's path is, after rain positively and during rain it is the only practicable way, the road being quite unfit for walking by reason ef the springs which flow across the side walk. Afew chains ought also to be erected along the edge of the cutting on the appioach road. It is not a difficult matter to miss the path on a dark night and a fall over the steep bank would result m a very serious accident. We think this is a job upon which tue foreman of works, now that he has got nobody to supervise, might be profitably employed.

The Hamilton Light Infantry Band held an open air practice on the bridge on Thursday night. The evening was comparatively fine, with a bright moom shining at intervals, and a considerable number of people turned out to hear the music. The band played several waltzes, mazurkas &c, in a very creditable mauuei .

The sparrows are jnst now "beginning to prove themselves a terrible nuisance. The ravage they commit upon the newly sown crops are fearful. At Matamata it is estimated that they have devoured about half the quantity of grain sown down and a settler in the Waitoa di si rict complains that afield of 30 acres which he has sowu in oats has been similarly visited. Could not a sparrow club be formed ? If the pests oould not be exterminated their numbers might be very considerably reduced. Combined effort might effect what individual exertion is powerless to accomplish.

On Thursday Mr E. Maclean, Majors Mair and Jackson, and Mr W. H. Grace, returned to Cambridge from superintending the construction of a bridge across the Waikato at Aniwaniwa The approaches and a hand rail are all that are now required to complete the bridge, which was formally opened on Wednesday by the above gentlemen, who crossed and inspected some 8,000 acres belonging to Messrs. Maclean and Co., after which the chief Tieriori was visited. The chief's .son acted as guide, and the visitors were received very cordially, but as in native matters of this sort there is sure to be found dissatisfied natives, and in this instance a few, more out of bravado than anything else, erected a flimsey ti-tree fence on the settlement side of the bridge. This bridge, which has been built at the expense of Messrs. Maclean aud Co. , will be found a groat boon to all persons desirous of reaching Mangatautari and surrounding districts, and too large a meed of praise cannot be given to that entarprising firm. The scenery is peculiarly striking and grand, the river rushes through hissing and foaming, the precipitous banks being over run with a wild luxuriance that would soon stir the poetical soul. The beauty of the surrounding country would also well repay a visit from the admirers of nature.

Sir George Grey has asked the Go. vernment (now that they have- a knowledge of the financial position of the colony, ) if they will pass a Bill to prevent private persons borrowing. Thia is a difficult subject to (leal with, for nearly everyone has a

desira to borrow— if it ia only an umbrella. But perhaps SU* George had a desire to tighten up his own purse strings «nd prevent those disinterested persons who view every man of means as a fitting subject to bleed, from exercising their calling. Then again, what about the forlorn and weary traveller, who, after fumbling 1 for about a quarter of an hour for the door h indlo, ushers himself and a strong smell of whisky into your office at the same time, and with a leer on his face asks for the loan of a shilling wherewith to find himself a bed ? This would be the greatest hardship of .all. To steel one's heart against the well-con sidered arguments (urged with the accompaniments of hic-ooughs) of this nocturnal prowler would deprive the revenue of something, and the would-be borrower of two drinks perhaps. Sir G. Gray has doubtless thought of all this, he is the friend of all humanity, and yet he has the heart and conscience to rostrict the borrowing rights of men wfco are always poor if not generally honest.

The magnitude of the rabbit industiy" in this district (says the Cromwell Argm) is fairly shown by the fact that on the 30th ult. Mr. Stewart, of Hawksburn Station, shipped for the home market 45,000 skins, and. has now in store 10,000 more. Mr. Stewart estimates that within the past two years the carrying capacity of his run has been reduced to the extent of 10,000 sheep by the rabbit pest.

We comrtiend to our local Volunj teers the practice of indulging in outdoor drill. It is only by this means that they I will acquire that steadiness in the ranks which is of so much importance. Now that the uights are sufficiently light, the Hamilton corps ought to follow the example of tbeir Auckland brethren in arms, and, instead of drilling- in the hall, have a moonlight march, headed by their band.

The usual monthly meeting of the C imbridjjro Highway District Board, was held on Wednesday, at the re-idence of Mv A. Main, Hautanu. There were present Messrs S. S. Graham (Chairman), W. L. Martyn, J J Smith, Snowden and Main. A letter -was read from Maclean & Co. relativo to the bridge at "Brown's Crossing, on the Fen Court road, the late rains having damaged it coiii-ider ably. Mr Martin was authorised to make the necessary repairs, the cost not to exceed £7. ftlr F. J). Smale manager of the Mangakawa estate, wrote drawing the attention of the Board to the dangerous state of the Cainbridge-Mangakawa road, in some peaces. He estimated the cost of making repairs at £10 and intimated Mr Watfc ami himself wero willing to contribute something towards the cost. It was agreed that the Board should give £5 in atf of the work to be expended by the applicant, on the condition that he furnishes vouchers for the economical expenditure of the sum. Mr Gwynneth C.E. wrote that he was at present engaged in surveying Messrs. Graham's estate with a view to getting it under the Land Transfer Act, and pointing out that the road at present used was not on the surveyed road line. He said it would be necessary to legalise the deviation. The chairman was authorised to have a map Srepa^ed showing the old road and the eviation, the Secretary to take the necessary steps to get the exchange affected 'uuder the 94th section of the Public Works Act. The Board discussed the idea of riding round the district with a view of seeing what works are required, but no definite conclusion was arrived at. Accounts amounting to £100 were presented and passed with the exception of the Engineer's, which was referred back for revision.

Mr Walter Reynolds has just complete! a highly exciting melo-draraa which deals with the adventures of an Irish family, who came out to the New Zealand goldfields. It will probably be called " A Son of Erin."

Amongst the papers forming the evidence attached to the report of the Commission on Local Industrie, are two on Woollen Manufactures, one from Mr. "W. Steele, Hamilton, April, 1880, enclosing a suggestion from a Mr. Potter, regarding the manufacture of flannel, and one from Mr. Albert Potter, Hamilton, 18th March, 1880, suggesting the disseminating of the hand-loom throughout the colony for the manufacture of flannel*, blankets, serges, carpets, &c, as a means of employment for the increase of population.

Mr and Mrs Hart, in their charming entertainment, "Happy Hours," appeared at Te Awatnutu on Thursday evening, and at Cambridge last uighh They will perform for the last timo at the latter place in the Public Hall to-night, and those who have not witnessed the entertainment would do well to be present. By request, Mi 1 and Mrs Hart will open again in Hamilton on Monday for a short season of two nights. The programme will be entirely new. The hearty reception which was accorded the company at Te Awamutu on Thursday night has induced Mr and Mrs Hart to revisit that place on Wednesday, when they will no doubt receive an equally warm welcome.

A bank manager in Gisborne, who has seen the difficulty which people have in meeting their bills falling due every " fourth," hiijjgcbts that P.N's should be made to fall due on the 30th of the month, instead of the Ith as is now the case. Tradesmen's accounts are as a rule delivered ou the Ist or 2nd day in each month, but they remain frequently unpaid till a week or a fortnight afterward ■>. If the P.N's Avere made to fall due towards the end of the month, it would enable tradesmen to get in their accounts in time to meet and would thus saA r e much inconvenience and annoyance.

The last rites were performed over the remains of poor Montgomery on Thursday 1 <sf at the Cemetery, Cambridge West. Being a member of the Orange Lodge a large number of the Order were present, and wiih surrounding settlers and Cambridge tradespeople made it an unusually large funeral. A word regarding the cemetery. It is now a wild waste without fence or stone the mounds only showing the whereabouts of the depart 3d. Something should be done to limit the sacreligious wanderings of every stray beast amongst the graves.

The fielding of the Australians in the Gloucester match, was superb, and was greatly admired, evoking repeated cheering. Dr E. M. Grace was the highest scorer on the Gloucester side with 40. The bowling was principally done by Spofforth and Palmer, both of whom Were terribly destructive.

Support Local Industries.— Messrs, Ridlcr and Dalton, Kiwi Mills, aye producing the best of flour from Waikato grown wheat. For prices, see advertisement in first column, page two. — [Advt.]

Despite the active steps taken by the police authorities no clue as to the exact whereabouts of the man who stole Mr Payne's horse, afc Piako, has up to the present been obtained ; nor nas the identity of the thief with the person who stole some money from a settler, near Cambridge, been established. A man answering to the appearance of the latter went the day after the horse theft, that is, on the 12th instant, to a swampers' camp near tho Aroha, and while the cook was away with the men's dinners entered the hut, and from a pair of trousers under the pillow in one of the bunks stole two £o notes and some 10s in silver. He had previously told the cook that he was on his way to a survey camp, but it

ia thought that he lias gone in the direction of Tauranga. Ou the 16th a horse belonging to Mr Veale, of Shortland, and a saddle belonging to Mr J. West, were stolen from Parawai. The horse was last seen in the possession of a m m whose appearance as described closely agrees with that of the fellow who committed the robberies at Hamilton's and at the Aroha. He said he was going to Waikato via the Piako, but nothing has since been heard either of the man or the horse. The vigilant measures now being undertaken by the police will no doubt result in the speedy capture of the scoundrel, for the probability is that one man has committed the whole of the robberies.

The farm of Mrs Gerrans, 100 acres in extent, adjoining the property of Mr Gr. E. Clark, in the Cambridge district, has been sold to Mr Wrat, a new arrival in the district, for £11 an acre. The land is in a good position and is of excellent quality.

Up to last night nothing had transpired to throw any fresh light on the disappearance of poor Barker, Avho is supposed to have been drowned in the Waipa. Searoh parties have been busy during the whole of the time, but so far, no trace of the body has been discovered. An absurd rumor has been current; in Hamilton for the past few days to the effect that Barker's dog, which was with him at the time of the occurrence, has not since been heard of. The fact is that the dog was not with him at all at the time of his disappearance, having been left in charge of Mr Odium, Hamilton, at whose place the animal still remains.

Tenders are imitccl and will be icceived till ist September, for the election ofasiv-roomed house at Ivihikihi. Captain Runriman convenes a speii.il meeting of the Cambridge Cavalry Volunteers at the, Public and Volunteer Hall, Cambiidge, at 7 o'clock, nc\t Thursday c\ cning. Mr David Gardinei, tuistec in the estate of "William Wheeler, notifies th.it . meeting 1 of creditors will be held in the Court House, Harni.ton, at 2 o'clock on Friday nc\t. Mr E. Fit/cp.itrick of Ngaruavvahia, advertises potatoes, mangolds, &c, for sale. Members of the Hamilton contingent Te Awamutu Cavalrj will assemble .1 7 o'clock this c\ cning, at G Wynne's Hotel. Mr and Mrs Hart perform at Cambridge this evening. The time for receiving tenders for repairs to Alexandra bridge expires on Monday at noon. Mr Kennedy Hill sells nurseiy stock by auction at his mart this afternoon at 2 o'clock. The usual monthly inspection of the Hamilton Light Infantry Volunteers will t.ike place on Tuesday evening nc\t. The names of the members of the Rangiaohia Highway District Hoard appear in our advertislng columns. An emergency meeting of the Sons of Ulster, L.0.L., takes place on Monday eveningMr J-S. Auckland announces through 0111 columns important sales of < attle, horses, etc. Tin. new Pure Cash System now being initiated by G. and C. will cert.iinlj pro\e a benefit to°the public. It has been a great success in Sidney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at .111 establishment where the goods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery millinary, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the Liner the advantages of a shareholder in a co-opet ati\ c society, without the risk ot being called upon to bear apo'rtion of the loss should the ) ear's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public h.i\e hitherto shown them, and are detirmined to gi\e the pure cash system a fair trial; whether they gain or lose the fir-.t je.ir. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods fit co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal sejeition. Furnishing goods, such as c.irpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remuniM.itne pi lies, and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time ot purclrise. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is \i.w wn CHKU-I.Y noi'(.m. An inspection is invited. — Gvklii k wn Ck \\ vvi i.r , City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queenstreet, Am kland.